I have been reading a book written by a gifted writer diagnosed with terminal cancer. He has faced his diagnosis with courage and insight. The problem, however, is his understanding of purpose.

Not once throughout the book does he reference God, Jesus, sin, or salvation. The most religious thing he mentioned was attending a memorial service for a coworker and commenting on the impactful eulogies delivered.

We know more about the biology of human life than at any time in history. We have a wealth of knowledge that explains why things go wrong in the body. We have some incredible solutions to bring about healing, and respite from pain, in order to lengthen what otherwise would have been shortened lives. What is so easily missed is answering the fundamental question, “Why?”

• Why do the studies?
• Why go through the effort?
• Why experiment with the options?

The obvious answer is to live longer. I would then ask, why live longer?

The book’s writer passionately believes the reason is to serve others. That sounds thoughtful, sacrificial, and arguably, even biblical. But is that a good enough reason?

What if others don’t want your charity? What if your version of charity and sacrifice fails to meet a genuine or core need for others? My point is that there is a bigger picture to consider when living longer and doing more.

The Apostle Paul addresses it this way:

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:23–24)

If we stop there, it seems to make the book author’s case to stick around and help others. But see what else Paul said:

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. (Philippians 1:25–26)

The bigger picture is the eternal context of human existence. We are God’s handiwork (Psalm 139; Ephesians 2:10), lost because of sin (Ephesians 2:1), and saved because of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). This is called the Gospel message.

The Gospel message has a paramount value because of its eternal significance. Jesus pointed to this when he said,

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? (Luke 9:25)

This does not nullify acts of charity for the benefit of others. Scripture abounds with directives for us to be so minded. What this does, however, is place a context for charity. When Jesus venerates love for others on par with our love for God (Matthew 22:39) and the Apostle Paul instructs us to think more of others (Philippians 2), then John’s words connect the pieces:

We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

The future holds great potential for improving the quality and even the longevity of human life on Earth. Nevertheless, even our fondest worldly desires will disappoint us. Living for others is wise counsel when understood that it is all nestled within the greater context of eternal life. It is within that context we find the purpose for life that endures.